Steelers to rebound; Bengals seek fourth

October 4, 2012

The Steelers managed to cough up what should have been their second win two weeks ago at Oakland.

Thus, a 1-2 record places some degree of urgency on Sunday's game when the 3-1 Eagles wing into Heinz Field.

Philly found a way to knock off the Super Bowl champion Giants behind an efficient performance from Michael Vick last weekend. Which should be of concern to Mike Tomlin's Black & Gold.

The potential return of three integral starters would indicate advantage Pittsburgh, though we project a more competitive outcome than many.

AFC North frontrunners Baltimore and Cincinnati, meanwhile, figure to march on vs. inferior opposition. As for the Browns, the schedulemaker has them serving as whipping boys for Eli Manning and company.

Last week, this column produced an adequate 10-5 mark though we just missed our upset special which tabbed Carolina to knock off Atlanta. No guarantee better days are ahead.

THURSDAY'S GAME

ARIZONA AT ST. LOUIS. All hail the unbeaten Redbirds who stay that way on the NFL Network. CARDINALS, 24-20.

SUNDAY GAMES

CLEVELAND AT NEW YORK GIANTS. Winless Browns will eventually regroup and win a handfull of games. This doesn't figure to be one of them. GIANTS, 33-21.

ATLANTA AT WASHINGTON. Intriguing matchup of Matt Ryan and RG3 with the veteran prevailing. FALCONS, 30-20.

PHILADELPHIA AT PITTSBURGH. Black & Gold want no part of 1-3 start but it won't be easy. STEELERS, 27-20.